Paprenjak Cookies

Paprenjakis a traditional Croatian cookie that contains a unique mix of honey, ground nuts, pepper and spices. It’s origin is still unclear but It is known to have existed in the 16th century and it was traditionally made for Christmas in many Croatian homes. Today Paprenjak takes on many different shapes, such as gingerbread men, stars or trees. However, to make traditional Paprenjak you need special wooden moulds that are used to imprint various patterns in the dough.

Paprenjak

To make traditional Paprenjak you need special wooden moulds that are used to imprint various patterns in the dough. If you don’t have them, any cookie cutter will do. Kept in an airtight container, these cookies can be stored for up to 6 weeks.

In a large bowl combine flour and butter. With the tips of your fingers, rub butter into flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add walnuts and sugar and stir to combine.
Add egg yolks and one egg, honey and spices. Combine ingredients using your hands and gather into a ball. Knead the dough for 10 minutes or until you get a firm ball. The dough will still be a bit sticky but don't add any more flour. Divide in half, flatten into discs and wrap each disc in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
On a well floured surface, roll dough until it’s 5-7 mm thick. Using a special wooden mould, make imprints on the dough and cut them out with a sharp knife. Carefully transfer to prepared baking sheets. If you don't have special moulds, use cookie cutters of desired shape and size.
Bake cookies for 10 minutes. Remove from oven as soon as they start to get color on the edges. The baking time will vary depending on the size of cookies. Cool completely on wire rack and transfer to airtight container. Let them sit for two days to soften before you serve them. They can be kept in airtight container for up to 6 weeks.

Author: Monika Topolko

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5 Responses

The ingredients remind Christmas time to whole world -literally! Maybe it’s a trick of globalism :)) however all spice taste suits winter so much! Recipe worths trying for sure but I’m in love with the moulds now! :))

Yeah, the spice mix reminds of the classic gingerbread cookie, but the ground walnuts give another dimension to the taste. The cookies really are uniqe both in flavor and shape. And the moulds are so much fun! :)

I had those on my first flight to Croatia and I fell in love with those cookies!!!
Though I have one question left: it’s a European cookie/recipe, so I assume you actually used a teaspoon (level) and not those American measure spoons? Thank you very much in advance!